Election season is near.
Recently passed Senate File 75 required Johnson County to adopt a supervisor district system for its elections. Only candidates who live in a specific district can run for the seat, and only residents within the district can vote.
The full impact of the law will be felt in the 2026 election, with all five supervisor districts up for grabs. Initially, only Jon Green, District 2 and V Fixmer-Oraiz were slated for election this year. Now, 10 democrat candidates are on the primary ballot across five districts, including incumbents Lisa Green-Douglass, Rod Sullivan and Mandi Remington.
With the Tuesday, June 2, primary election quickly approaching, the Iowa City Press-Citizen asked candidates for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors about their priorities, qualifications, and vision for the county’s future.
The Press-Citizen sent questions to all area candidates. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Here is what you need to know about the District 1, District 2 and District 3 Johnson County Board of Supervisors candidates on the Republican Ballot:
Greg Erceg, District 1
Age: 70
Hometown: Cedar Rapids
Current Residence: Solon address, but identifies as Shueyville
Occupation: I am retired from Federal Service, having conducted National Security Investigations. Part-time auto parts delivery
Education: AA in Law Enforcement from Kirkwood. Army schools include: MP School, CID School, and WO Candidate School.
Political experience: Political volunteering
Phil Hemingway, District 2
Age: 66
Hometown: Elmira, Iowa
Current Residence: Rural Johnson County in Lincoln Township
Occupation: Mechanic at Theisen’s and independent work
Education: West Branch High School graduate and some college
Political experience: Elected to the Iowa City Community School District Board of Directors from 2015 to 2019; presently Lincoln Township Trustee
Jennie Wunderlich, District 3
Age: 45
Hometown: Iowa City
Current Residence: Kalona
Occupation: President/Co-Owner – PSC Distribution, Studio H2O Kitchen, Bath, & Lighting Showroom
Education: B.S., Nuclear Engineering, United States Military Academy; MBA, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Political experience: Board chair, Greater Iowa City Inc.; Past president, Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association; Legislative chair, Iowa Home Builders Association
Why are you running for a seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors?
Erceg: I’ve been a resident of Johnson County for 23 years. In that time, the property taxes have continually gone up. A few years after we built our house, they went up by eight percent. Who has ever gotten an eight percent raise other than Congress? That set taxes on a faster upward trajectory. I want people to keep more of their hard-earned money. I also want retired people to be able to stay in their homes.
Hemingway: I hope to bring fiscal oversight and a blue-collar work ethic to the board. As a lifelong resident and small business owner, I know the challenges facing our community. Johnson County is one of the most expensive places to live in Iowa. It is important to do everything in our power to make it affordable for ALL of our residents.
Wunderlich: I’m running for Supervisor to bring responsible leadership to Johnson County. My service in Iraq and Afghanistan deepened my commitment to serving and giving back. Today, our county faces serious financial challenges, with spending exceeding revenues, increasing debt, and reserves projected to go negative by FY28. That’s not sustainable. We need leadership that ensures every community and every corner of the county has a voice. As a business owner, wife, and mom, I understand accountability and budgeting. I’m running to serve with integrity, bring people together, and make responsible decisions for our county’s future.
What is the most pressing issue Johnson County is facing, and how will you address it?
Erceg: Wasteful spending. The supervisor’s role is to: set the budget, fund public safety, oversee roads and infrastructure, support public health and human services, decide on zoning and land use, manage county departments and employees, and plan for future growth and priorities. In my opinion, spending $570,000 on a statue doesn’t fit anywhere in the mission of the supervisors.
Hemingway: Roads, bridges, and essential services, making Johnson County affordable for all residents, and since the present Board of Supervisors has kicked the can down the road for far too long on our jail facilities, providing a functional jail that is safe for our community, our staff, and for our criminals HAS to be prioritized.
Wunderlich: My primary concern is fiscal responsibility — it drives everything else. Without financial soundness, we cannot support critical functions like public safety, emergency services, and infrastructure. As a supervisor, I will push for a full spending review while actively promoting healthy development and quality housing by local builders to grow our housing stock and tax base. Burdening current residents with tax increases to compensate for overspending is not sustainable — it drives people away and makes Johnson County less attractive to those considering relocating here. Smart fiscal management at the local level creates real, positive change for every corner of our county.
What are two or three other issues that you hope to address if elected?
Erceg: Reign in spending and attract more businesses to the county.
Hemingway: As previously stated, roads, bridges, essential services, etc. I am not looking for new and ingenious ways to spend limited county resources.
Wunderlich: Public safety is a close second priority. Johnson County needs a new law enforcement facility and jail, and our officers deserve modern tools and technology to do their jobs well. I’m especially committed to protecting our youth and ensuring our community remains safe for every resident. Workforce development is equally important. We must create clear pathways for young people — whether pursuing the trades or a college degree — to build careers right here in Johnson County. Supporting local businesses and keeping talented people in our community is how we grow a strong, sustainable county for the long term.
A bond referendum for a new sheriff’s office and jail may be on the November ballot. The project is anticipated to cost $90 to $100 million. Do you support building the new facility and why?
Erceg: I support the bond issue. Recently, Jennie Wunderlich, Phil Hemmingway, and I toured the jail. The building was settling, and large cracks were found in the walls. Portions of the facade were falling off the building. Some prisoners are housed in other county jails. Every time there is a transport, the possibility of escape increases. The transports take time away from Patrols in our own county. In 2017, a stranger illegally entered our house. We had to remove him from our bedroom at gunpoint. It took approximately five minutes for my wife and me to handle the situation, and 14 minutes for the first squad car to arrive. The results could’ve been tragic. We need to build a new jail before the current one is condemned, and we have no other option.
Hemingway: Yes. The sheriff is an elected official and has served this county admirably. Not only the sheriff, but the State is telling Johnson County that we need new facilities. I defer to the sheriff’s judgment and expertise in law enforcement and jail operations regarding the needs of the county. If residents of the county disagree with that, they should vote him out of office and elect someone who shares their view and values. I personally want to live in a community that respects the rule of law and provides a safe environment for all residents, even those who break the law.
Wunderlich: Yes, I support a bond referendum to finance a new county sheriff’s office and jail. We are spending millions of dollars continuously repairing an aging facility and transporting inmates to other counties because we simply don’t have the capacity to meet our community’s needs. That arrangement is unsafe for staff and those in custody, makes it harder for families to stay connected, and costs taxpayers more than it should. I support a 120-bed facility with the ability to expand — failing to plan for future growth is a disservice to future generations. I would also encourage every citizen to tour our current facility to see firsthand why this is necessary.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Meet the Republican candidates running for Johnson County supervisor
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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